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Mania is not always Euphoric
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"Mania" is not always euphoric -- absolutely right
Q: I am a 27 year old BIPOLAR first
diagnosed with the illness at the age of 23. I personally know three other
persons suffering with the same affliction. What seems to boggle my mind is
that none of them express the same severe symptoms as I. When I go into a
state of acute mania my mind is like a tornado. Signals from my brain are so
confused that I can not command my feet to move. I stand there like a
frightened child extremely discombobulated, pupils dialated and lost in a deep
dark cave. I can not comprehend simple words or select food from a menu. The
word potato is foreign to me. The last Manic episode that occured was in April
of 2000. I went six long days without ANY sleep, my body was
trembling and I felt as if an electrical current was being sent through me
continuously. I was put back on Lithium and it took several months for me to
stabilize. Personally I prefer E.C.T. because the Lithium can not relieve 100%
of the symptoms. I once was on 1,800mg. of Lithium and was not responding very
well so my psychiatrist suggested E.C.T. After a day or two of researching it
I told lets do it. After the E.C.T. I was stable and almost completely
unmedicated for one full year until the DEMON reared its head
again in April 0f 2000. Basically what my inquiry is about is why does most of
the information on symptoms of the illness always describe hypomania with
feelings of euphoria, rapid pressured speech, elated moods etc. failing to
include the severe symptoms of mania which is without a doubt
"insanity". To me the symptoms of hypomania are much more tolerable
than the full blown mania. Believe me I know I have experienced both. In my
opinion the symptoms of mania are sugar coated and due not express the
severity of the illness. Perhaps I am an exception and suffer worse than
the average bipolar.
It is unfortunate that you do not respond to
any of your e-mails personally because I would like to pry your brain a
little more on this issue. I do not feel I can truly convey the extent of
my concern in a few lines on an inanimate object. Although I would truly
appreciate your response in whatever form you deem neccesssary.
Thank You and Happy Holidays!!
Sylvia
Dear Sylvia --
Dr. Phelps |